Just like every other week we are back at it with an all new Toy News Tuesday! We’re the one weekly column right here on ScienceFiction.com where we seek out all of the awesome news you need to know about any announcements and cool happenings in the toy industry and put them all in one easy to find place for you! We made it! The countdown is finally over and we are officially just days away from San Diego Comic Con 2017! The convention is sure to have a ton of amazing new toys and collectibles to show off for the first time, but for now there’s definitely plenty to see in Toy News for the week of July 18th, 2017!
Diamond Select Taking A Trip To The ‘Pacific Rim’
Our good friends at Diamond Select Toys are diving deep to bring fans of Guillermo Del Toro’s giant-robots-versus-monsters franchise ‘Pacific Rim’ a whole lot to look forward to! Announced this week ahead of San Diego Comic Con 2017, Diamond Select has officially revealed that they have obtained the license for ‘Pacific Rim: Uprising’, the long awaited sequel to the 2013 hit! Fans can look forward to a line of ‘Pacific Rim: Uprising Select’ action figures, plus ‘Pacific Rim:Uprising’ Minimates, Vinimates vinyl figures, Gallery PVC dioramas, vinyl coin banks, replicas with lights and sound, and housewares! Check out the full release from Diamond Select Toys below-
2017’s blockbuster season has just started, but the countdown has already begun for one of the most highly anticipated movies of 2018 – Pacific Rim Uprising from Legendary and Universal Pictures. In 2013’s Pacific Rim, director Guillermo del Toro unveiled the first chapter of this spectacular universe of monsters and mechs, in which human-piloted machines called Jaegers rise to defend humanity against gigantic otherworldly monsters called Kaijus. The long-awaited sequel Pacific Rim Uprising takes the action to the next level with a sleek new generation of technologically advanced Jaeger mechs; a ferocious new breed of Kaiju monsters and of course a massive new line of toys and collectible merchandise from Diamond Select Toys! Diamond Select Toys (DST) will offer a wide range of Pacific Rim Uprising products starting in 2018, including Select action figures, Minimates mini-figures, Vinimates vinyl figures, Gallery PVC dioramas, vinyl coin banks, replicas with lights and sound, and housewares. The movie will premiere in U.S. theaters on February 23, 2018, and DST plans to have the first products ship in time for the premiere.
“We’re incredibly excited to work on Pacific Rim Uprising, and we’re honored that Legendary came to us with this amazing opportunity to work on such a thrilling franchise property,” said DST president Chuck Terceira. “The original film was an epic, visually enthralling work of art, and we’ve had a blast working with the new Jaeger and Kaiju designs, turning them into some of the most detailed products we’ve ever made!”
All of DST’s products are available through independent comic shops, specialty stores and online toy retailers, with selected items also available at Toys”R”Us and toysrus.com. Certain styles and characters will be available at all locations, while some will be exclusive to specific retailers.
In addition to new Jaegers and Kaiju, Pacific Rim Uprising will also showcase exciting new characters, as actors John Boyega (Star Wars: The Force Awakens) and Scott Eastwood (Suicide Squad) join returning cast members Rinko Kikuchi, Charlie Day and Burn Gorman alongside some exciting new faces.
Produced by Guillermo Del Toro, Pacific Rim Uprising will be directed by Steven S. DeKnight, original showrunner for Marvel’s Daredevil on Netflix. DeKnight was also the creator of Spartacus on Starz, and was previously a writer and director on both Buffy: The Vampire Slayer and Angel. Diamond Select Toys previously created products for Marvel’s Daredevil as well as for Buffy and Angel.
Hasbro Sizes Up ‘Black Panther’
Last year at SDCC, Hasbro announced that they were going to be bumping up their 6″ ‘Marvel Legends’ line to a larger 12″ scale for an assortment of figures that only the biggest Marvel fans would truly appreciate! So far the line has been filled with fan favorites like Captain America, Iron Man, Spider-Man, Deadpool, The Hulk, and Thor! This week Hasbro announced that you’ll soon be able to add one more to the list with the addition of their upcoming Black Panther 12″ Marvel Legends figure!
The new 12″ Marvel Legends Black Panther figure was revealed over the weekend at Disney’s D23 event, and from what we can tell he looks phenomenal! He even includes an extra unmasked head so you have the option to display him as T’Challa, The King of Wakanda, rather than just as his superheroic persona. One thing worth noting is that this figure looks like it is taking it’s design cues largely from the movie version of ‘Black Panther’, unlike the majority of figures in this line that are based more on their comic book counterparts. Either way, Hasbro’s new 12″ Marvel Legends Black Panther figure is set to hit retail in Spring of 2018 for a suggested price of $49.99!
NECA Brings More Sci-Fi Icons To Life
Once again the team at NECA is blowing away any and all expectations and bringing sci-fi fans a number of mind-blowing new products that you never saw coming!
First up we have a look at a few new figures from their upcoming line based on the classic Dark Horse Comics series ‘Robocop vs. Terminator’! The line is due to hit shelves this October and is meant to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the iconic’Robocop’ franchise! The first figure we’re getting a full look at is the new ‘Endocop’, who comes packed with a Terminator Dog! Check out the release from NECA below-
Inspired by the 1992 Dark Horse comic book mini-series written by Frank Miller and drawn by Walt Simonson! When fate reveals that the technology that built RoboCop will lead to the creation of Skynet, Alex Murphy must engage in time-twisting battle against both the murderous computer network and the human resistance fighters out to destroy him! This 7” scale action figure 2-pack contains the EndoCop and Terminator Dog, and is perfect for army-building future war scenes. Each figure has between 20 and 25 points of articulation. Includes Auto 9 pistol accessory. Comes in display-friendly window box packaging with opening flap.
Earlier this week NECA also posted a teaser image for their new ‘Ultimate Future Robocop’ from the same line to their social media. It is expected that more new figures for the ‘Robocop vs Terminator’ line will be revealed later this week at SDCC 2017.
If ‘Robocop’ isn’t your thing, but you love NECA, it’s probably safe to say you’re a fan of their long running ‘ALIENS’ line! This week EW has received word from the team at NECA that they will be paying tribute to the legendary director of the film, James Cameron, with a figure based on his very own likeness as a Space Marine! While Cameron never actually appeared as a Space Marine in the film, his work on the film gave the sci-fi genre some of it’s all time most iconic moments. Check out the details from EW and NECA below!
The figure is 7 inches tall, has more than 25 points of articulation, features Cameron as he appeared during the filming of the 1986 science fiction sequel, and comes with a pistol, pulse rifle, tracking device, and viewfinder. The figure’s clothing is decorated with a Canadian flag shoulder patch and a Pandora planet patch as well as the logo of the “real” Cameron’s company, Lightstorm. This is the first time Cameron has allowed his likeness to be used for an action figure.
The Dark Side Of The Worst
Our friends over at Super7 are a team of toy makers that make toys for people like them- the fans! They pour a lot of love and devotion into making all of their products into exactly what they feel collectors will want, and it really shows in one of the latest SDCC exclusives they just announced! Super7 has revealed a very special new version of their original 3.75 figure line ‘The Worst’, and it looks like they’re from a galaxy far, far, away! That’s right, Super7 is bringing us a special ‘Star Wars’ themed wave of ‘The Worst’ figures as an SDCC exclusive dubbed simply ‘Star Worst’. This 6-figure set features all of your favorite characters from ‘The Worst’ repainted to feature the likeness of some of the most iconic figures in the original Kenner ‘Star Wars’ line from 1977! Here is the full release from Super7–
A long time ago… The Worst return as variants that each pay homage to characters from that galaxy far, far away! The Star Worst 3.75″ ReAction Figures are Comic-Con International exclusives and will be available individually at our San Diego Booth #4945 while supplies last.
A Hurricane Of Hot Toys
The team at Hot Toys apparently don’t know how to just take a day off, because this week they’ve been rolling out new figure reveals and sneak previews seemingly non-stop! In the past week alone we have three new 1:6th scale figures that have been fully announced, and another bunch of figures that are being teased well ahead of time!
If you’re a fan of ‘Star Wars’, ‘Marvel’, or ‘DC Comics’, Hot Toys certainly has some goodies in store for you! For ‘Star Wars’ fans we have a new ‘Return of the Jedi’ edition of Luke Skywalker in beautiful 1:6th scale! Fans of Marvel’s ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’ can look forward to a glorious new 1:6th scale figure of the Spirit of Vengeance himself, Ghost Rider! DC fans shouldn’t feel too left out either, because they’re getting a new 1:6th scale Battle-Damaged Armored Batman from ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’! Check out full releases for all three figures below!
“I am a Jedi, like my father before me.” – Luke Skywalker With the rise of a new and more powerful Death Star, Luke Skywalker, along with the Rebel fleet and his friends mount a massive attack on the space station to stop the Empire’s dangerous aggression and cease its tyranny across the galaxy. In the final climatic battle aboard this technological terror, Luke Skywalker confronts his father Darth Vader before the evil Emperor Palpatine. Yet, at the most critical moment, Darth Vader makes the heavy decision to protect his son by destroying the vicious Emperor and ultimately sacrificing his own life; thus, restoring temporary peace to the galaxy. Today Hot Toys is proud to officially present a legendary cinematic masterpiece – the 1/6th scale Luke Skywalker collectible figure from Star Wars: Return of the Jedi!
Explicitly crafted based on the appearance of Luke Skywalker in the concluding chapter of the original trilogy, the figure features a newly developed head sculpt, a meticulously tailored costume featuring Luke’s look on Tatooine and Death Star in the film, a LED light-up lightsaber, an interchangeable lightsaber blade emulating the weapon in motion, and a specially designed figure base. Dedicated to all Star Wars fans, the Luke Skywalker collectible figure will be a treasured addition to your collection. Pre-order now and make sure you won’t miss out on this heroic collectible showpiece.
“I only kill asesinos who deserve it. It’s vengeance, chica.” – Ghost Rider Finally the legendary Ghost Rider has returned in one of the most popular Marvel television series – Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.! Making his debut on TV screen, the terrifying Ghost Rider first appeared in Season 4 with Robbie Reyes being the new host, gaining the power to transform into the merciless criminal killer. Eventually joining other S.H.I.E.L.D. members to battle against Lucy Bauer and take out the enemies. Hot Toys is thrilled to introduce our latest television masterpiece – the 1/6th scale Ghost Rider collectible figure from the Marvel television series – Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D as a Toy Fair Exclusive item only available in selected markets!
Expertly crafted based on the appearance of Ghost Rider, the collectible figure features a newly sculpted skull with LED light-up function and articulated lower jaw, a fire-shaped hair sculpture and a finely tailored costume to create impressive likeness. Ghost Rider also comes with 2 styles of chains and a number of fire effect accessories to simulate him using his superpowers. He will be standing on a fire-themed figure stand with Ghost Rider nameplate and the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. logo. Don’t miss the great opportunity to add the fiery hot rider to your collection!
“It’s time you learned what it means to be a man.” With the release of DC Comics’ Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, superhero fans around the world has witnessed the tense battle between Batman and Superman where Batman uses his skills and intelligence in order to fight the god-like Superman. Today, Hot Toys is excited to introduce the new 1/6th scale collectible figure of the Armored Batman (Battle Damaged Version) as a Toy Fair Exclusive item only available in selected markets!
Inspired by the fierce battle between the Bat of Gotham and Son of Krypton in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, the collectible figure is fastidiously crafted based on Ben Affleck’s image as Batman in his battle damaged armored suit, featuring a newly developed battle damage armored head sculpt with single LED light-up eye, meticulously sculpted armor with battle damaged parts, muscular body with improved articulation, a LED light-up Kryptonite spear, a grapple gun, a grenade gun, and a specially designed Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice themed figure stand. Batman fans, now’s the chance to bring this exclusive Armored Batman home to your collection!
If all of those aren’t enough for you, maybe some of the teasers that Hot Toys posted this week will pique your interest? We’ve got a first look at new figures from ‘Guardians Of The Galaxy vol. 2’, ‘Thor: Ragnorok’, ‘Star Wars’, and ‘Valerian and The City of 1000 Planets’! Check out the teaser images below!
‘Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2’ Yondu 1:6th Scale Figure
‘Star Wars’ Grand Moff Tarkin 1:6th Scale Figure
‘Thor: Ragnorok’ Thor 1:6th Scale Figure
‘Valerian and The City of 1000 Planets’ Valerian and Laureline 1:6th Scale Figures
The Funko Forecast
Get ready for the Funko Forecast! This is where we’re going to be showcasing all of the cool new announcements and reveals from Funko! With all of the awesome that consistently seems to be flowing out of those guys, it shouldn’t be hard to keep this section alive each and every week!
“We Got Movie Sign!”
In the not to distant future, somewhere in time and space, Funko announced their plans to release ‘Mystery Science Theater 3000’ POP! Vinyls and you’re going to want a whole case! Well, okay so you’re probably going to want to just grab a pair of them, since currently the only figures confirmed are Tom Servo and Crow. T Robot, who are set to hit stores this fall!
Funko Brings The Scares With New Horror!
We may be in the midst of a hot summer, but Funko is already thinking of the fall season and Halloween along with it! This week they revealed a whole new wave of Horror themed POP! Vinyls along with a new wave of Horror Dorbz!
For our new terrifying Horror POP! Vinyls we have figures from ‘The Shining’ (Jack Torrence ((and Chase figure)), Wendy Torrance, Danny Torrence, and the Target exclusive Grady Twins ((with Chase figure))), ‘Bride of Chucky’ (Tiffany ((with Chase figure))), ‘Annabelle’ (Anabelle), ‘Psycho’ (Norman Bates with FYE Exclusive B&W version) and ‘Carrie’ (Carrie)! These are all due out in the early fall just in time for Halloween!
If you’re more of a Dorbz fan, you can look forward to new Dorbz figures of Jack Torrence (with Chase figure), Beetlejuice (with Hot Topic exclusive variant), Pennywise, and a new flocked version of Gizmo from ‘Gremlins’ (exclusively at Hot Topic)! These are all due out in September!
And with that, we bring this week’s Toy News Tuesday to a close! What do you think about the new items announced this week? Do you plan on picking up anything we mentioned in this week’s column? Are there any lines or brands you’d like to see more coverage of? Let us know in the comments section below!
